Introduction
This essay explores how a company, viewed through the lens of quantity surveying, can integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance sustainability, with a specific focus on reducing carbon footprint. It identifies two relevant SDGs—Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 13 (Climate Action)—and examines their practical application within a company’s operations. Additionally, it outlines the content of an email to a company director, demonstrating the importance of carbon reduction and contextualising SDG integration with actionable examples. Finally, reflective writing highlights critical awareness of sustainable practices and potential future actions. This discussion is particularly relevant in quantity surveying, where sustainable construction practices and cost management intersect with environmental goals.
Selected Sustainable Development Goals and Their Integration
The first SDG, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, focuses on promoting sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation (United Nations, 2015). For a company, particularly in the construction sector, this can be integrated by investing in green technologies and sustainable materials during project planning and execution. For instance, a quantity surveyor can advocate for the use of low-carbon concrete or recycled steel in building projects, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining cost efficiency. This aligns with the profession’s role in balancing financial and environmental considerations through lifecycle costing and value engineering.
The second SDG, Goal 13: Climate Action, urges immediate action to combat climate change and its impacts (United Nations, 2015). A company can integrate this goal by adopting energy-efficient practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across operations. From a quantity surveying perspective, this might involve conducting carbon footprint assessments during the pre-construction phase to identify high-emission activities and propose alternatives, such as optimising transport logistics for materials. Furthermore, collaboration with contractors to implement renewable energy solutions on-site, like solar panels, can significantly lower emissions. These measures not only support climate goals but also enhance the company’s reputation as a sustainability leader.
Email to Company Director: Carbon Footprint Reduction and SDG Alignment
An email to the company director would begin by emphasising the urgent need to reduce carbon footprint, noting that the construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions (UNEP, 2020). It would highlight how aligning with SDGs 9 and 13 can position the company as a forward-thinking entity while achieving tangible benefits, such as cost savings from energy efficiency and compliance with tightening environmental regulations. Specific examples, such as adopting modular construction techniques to minimise waste (aligned with Goal 9) and setting emission reduction targets under a corporate sustainability policy (aligned with Goal 13), would be provided. The email would conclude by proposing a meeting to discuss implementing these strategies, underscoring the role of quantity surveyors in driving cost-effective sustainability.
Reflection on Sustainable Practices
Reflecting on this process, I recognise the complexity of integrating sustainability into business operations, especially in balancing economic and environmental priorities—a core challenge in quantity surveying. Initially, I underestimated the resistance to change within traditional construction practices; however, researching SDG applications revealed practical pathways, such as leveraging technology for carbon tracking. This process heightened my awareness of the interconnectedness of cost management and sustainability. Indeed, I felt a sense of responsibility to advocate for greener practices, though I remain cautious about their upfront costs. Moving forward, I intend to deepen my understanding of carbon-neutral construction methods and engage in continuous professional development to better advise on sustainable procurement. This reflection underscores the need for a proactive, yet pragmatic, approach to embedding sustainability in industry practices.
Conclusion
In summary, integrating SDGs 9 and 13 offers a robust framework for a company to enhance sustainability while addressing carbon footprint reduction. Through innovative materials, energy-efficient practices, and strategic planning—key areas within quantity surveying—a company can align with global sustainability targets. The proposed email to the director provides actionable steps, reinforcing the urgency of climate action. Reflectively, this exercise highlights the evolving role of quantity surveyors in championing sustainable development, with implications for future practice and policy advocacy. Ultimately, embedding these goals fosters both environmental stewardship and long-term business resilience.
References
- United Nations. (2015) Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
- UNEP. (2020) 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. United Nations Environment Programme.
